What to Expect
Welcome
The First Baptist Church of Asheville is a dynamic community of faith committed to the reverent and joyful worship of God, local and global missional engagement, and excellence in the musical arts.
This is a unique, Christ-centered fellowship, with roots in the Baptist tradition, as well as a wide ecumenical embrace. We’re known for our welcoming spirit and engaging ministries, where opportunities abound for people of all ages and abilities to grow in faith and share their gifts.
Our church will delight and challenge you. Not only will you find the comforts of genuine fellowship, but you will also encounter the Scriptures through worship and Bible study, and be transformed more into the likeness of Christ.
To cross the threshold here is to embark on an adventure. You will have a share in Jesus mission, to “bring good news to the poor…to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).
Come and see what signs and wonders await us all, as we learn and grow in faith as beloved children of God…
Tell Me about First Baptist Church of Asheville
Some people just know us as “the church with the dome.” When you’re downtown, it’s hard to miss our landmark building. But what about the church that meets here? What are we like? Here are answers to the questions we’re most often asked. If you’d like to know more, we would love to share with you, and hear your story as well.
FAQs
Who attends First Baptist Church of Asheville?
Our congregation is made up of people from Asheville and its surrounding communities, from lifelong residents to tourists passing through. We’re a multi-generational church, with some who are just beginning to explore what it means to know God through Jesus, while others are continuing to grow in their understanding of what it means to follow him.
Members also come from across the spectrum of politics and culture. We see our diverse fellowship as an exceptional gift in a time of heightened division and cultural upheaval. Here you’ll find an extraordinary church, one that not only surrounds you with Christ’s love, but also challenges you to take up your cross and follow him.
What about your “middle name,” Baptist?
We are proud of our Baptist tradition, but we do encourage folks to recognize the significance of the “First” part of our title, as well. Why? Because, like the very first Baptists from the early 17th century, we remain committed to the reformation and renewal of the church.
While we are committed to traditional Baptist concepts like believer’s baptism, the separation of church and state, and religious freedom, we’re also imagining what it means to be Christian in the 21st century and beyond. While the earliest Baptists sought reformation through separation, we seek reformation through reconciliation. You will hear us ask questions like, “What should a radical Baptist witness look like today?” and, “How can Baptists encourage church unity and ‘the healing of the nations’?”
We are also proud to be an ecumenical congregation. As many as half of our members are from other denominational backgrounds. If you have been baptized in another tradition, we honor your baptism, together with your confession of faith. We do not ask anyone to be re-baptized.
Are you affiliated with a national Baptist organization?
While we live our faith alongside Christians of all traditions, we partner with national, regional, and local Baptist organizations. We contribute to the Alliance of Baptists, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, and other regional and local organizations. We also support many interdenominational and non-denominational mission efforts in Asheville and around the world. Through these relationships, we are committed to Christ-centered mission and fellowship, with a particular emphasis on partnerships with the most neglected people around the world.
Who participates in leadership at First Baptist Church of Asheville?
We find strength in the wisdom and guidance of laity and clergy. Church members collaborate with church staff in shaping our future as followers of Jesus. Many of our most treasured programs were created by church members, and receive support and encouragement from staff and deacons. We believe every member is a priest through baptism, and that God calls every person to share their gifts for the upbuilding of the church.
We believe the Scriptures reveal that women and men are equal partners in gospel ministry. Here, all members are able to serve as deacons. Both women and men preach and lead in worship.
What are our worship services like?
Our worship is meant to engage all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Services are liturgical (defined as “the work of the people”), scripturally rooted and inspired, with a deep appreciation for musical and other arts, congregational participation, and gospel proclamation.
We follow the pattern of the church year, which begins with Advent and Christmas, and continues through the season of Pentecost. We administer the sacraments of baptism and communion on regular Sundays throughout the year. Sermons are lectionary-based, and seek to bring the Bible and everyday life into conversation.
We sing historical hymns from the classical and folk traditions of Europe and the United States, gospel hymns from revivalist traditions, contemporary songs of worship, and global music from the full spectrum of styles. We hear choral anthems, often accompanied by organ or piano, orchestra or brass ensemble. Sometimes we’re led by a bluegrass consort or a folksinger with guitar.
Visitors are often surprised to see expressions of worship they’ve experienced in non-Baptist settings. This is intentional. We believe we’re heirs of the whole Christian tradition, so we seek to exemplify the rich wisdom of Christian worship from the first century to the present.
Together, we explore the depths of faith, seeking to know God intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. Worshiping the God of Jesus Christ is the most important thing we do; it is the primary reason we exist, and the source of our joy.
We invite you to join us every Sunday in the sanctuary at 11:00 a.m.
What should I wear?
We believe that God isn’t too concerned about our outer appearance, but we understand that most of us want to “fit in” when we are going somewhere new. Most folks show up in “business casual” clothing, while some are more comfortable in jeans and sneakers. Others prefer Sunday attire of dresses for women and coat and tie for men. The pastors and chancel choir all wear robes.
Adam and Eve were afraid in the garden because they were naked; we encourage you to wear whatever gives you courage.
Where should I go when I arrive?
If you come to Sunday morning Bible study at 9:45, park in the lot adjacent to Charlotte St. (near the State Employees Credit Union), and enter through the Atrium doors. There you will be greeted and directed to find a class that interests you. The Atrium is also next to the children’s building, and a convenient entrance for those with infants and young children.
If you are coming to worship, you may park in the Charlotte St. lot, or the Oak St. lot, which sits between the sanctuary entrance and the Downtown YMCA. Enter through the main sanctuary doors, where ushers will greet you, offer you an order of worship, and help you find a seat.
Signs are posted conveniently throughout the church to help you find your way. For additional guidance, please call the church office or see at our Contact and Directions page.
Do you have programs for children and youth?
We have exceptional programs and ministries for children and youth. In addition to regular Sunday morning classes, there are Wednesday evening programs that run from September through May. During the summer, the church leads an array of camps for children, including Vacation Bible School.
Youth meet regularly on Sunday evenings and take mission and recreational trips throughout the year. Many children and youth are involved in the church’s music ministry. Click the links to learn more about our children and youth.
Are you open and accepting? Will I be welcomed no matter who I am?
We are a gentle and hospitable community, bound by deep and lasting friendships with God and neighbor. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we can’t imagine being anything other than a welcoming church, committed to serving our neighbors, community, and world. Whoever you are and wherever you’re from, you will find here a warm welcome and a new hope.
Click here to see our statement of welcome and inclusion of all.
What about people with special needs?
You will find people of all abilities engaged in every aspect of our church’s life, from leading in worship to mission work and Bible study. We have a Sunday morning class uniquely suited for those with special needs.
Click here to see our statement of welcome and inclusion of all.
How do I join?
There are several ways of joining our church. Primarily, becoming a member of the church happens by profession of faith and baptism. It is by the sacrament of baptism that we are made members of Christ’s body, the church. If you have already been baptized, you may join our congregation by transfer of letter (if coming from another Baptist church), or by statement of faith (if coming from another Christian tradition—we do not ask you to be rebaptized).
To become a member is to say “yes” to the accountability of caring for one another, discerning and sharing your gifts, and participating in the mutual encouragement and support of the community. You can learn more about membership by speaking with one of our ministers, or by calling the church office.
Do I have to be a member of the church to participate?
While we require membership for certain leadership positions, we encourage members and non-members alike to be full participants in worship services, Bible study groups, and ministry projects in the church. If you are in the area temporarily, or wish to retain your membership in another church while affiliating with us, you may join by “watchcare.”
Click here to see our statement of welcome and inclusion of all.
How can I learn more?
You may find more about our missions and ministries, learn of opportunities for study and growth, view a worship service, or listen to a Wednesday night Bible study. Consider attending a Sunday morning Bible study class and worship service, or join us for our Wednesday evening fellowship meal at 5:00 p.m. (The fellowship meal is currently on hold due to safety concerns with the pandemic).
You are welcome to give us a call at 828.252.4781 to set an appointment to talk with a minister.